One of my favorite things during the Christmas season is the music. This year I even broke the cardinal rule and started listening early in November ( I know what a rebel!). I have over 300 Christmas songs on my ipod, so I can put it on shuffle and listen to holiday tunes most of the day. I like a variety of songs including everything from All I Want For Christmas by Mariah Carey and Santa Claus is coming to Town by Frank Sinatra to For Unto us a Child is Born from Handel’s Messiah and I Saw Three Ships by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Sometimes I wish I could listen to Christmas music year-round. I love the happiness and memories the songs evoke. (I also love Christmas movies- Christmas Carol in all its variations, It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, Polar Express, and even Charlie Brown Christmas- so great!!!).

Unfortunately most of my songs are m4a not mp3 so I can’t share them with you; however, I am including a few mp3’s that I have. Enjoy and have the best Christmas time ever! Oh how I love this time of year!

I have had the craziest week. Between moving, getting ready for Hawaii, working hard and getting ready for a recital today, my life felt pretty overwhelming. Today I am pleased to write this blog as a fully moved-in person. I love my new apartment and feel at home here. All this unpacking included spending an entire day putting together an IKEA bookcase with doors (it was my nemesis! So hard!) has left me exhausted and ready for vacation.

After a long week I finished it today by performing in my voice lesson recital. It was my most intimidating recital because I sand Over the Rainbow- the famous Judy Garland version. It may be my favorite song. Definitely in my top 10. Because I love it so much it made all the more nerve-wracking to sing it. I wanted it to be perfect, which of course it will never be. It is also a more difficult song than you’d first expect. Every time you sing “Some” “Where” you do a full octave change. This happens time and again throughout the song. It is also such a recognizable song that it almost has to be perfect or people will notice. It was a big risk for me to select it, but I have improved greatly because of it. It’s more satisfying than I can explain in words to hear myself get better week-to-week on a song I love so much. It’s the best!

With all this preparation I stepped onto the stage at Hale Theater Orem and sang my heart out. Without sounding too arrogant I think it was the best I have ever sung! I came off the stage beaming and got nothing but positive feedback from my friends and teachers. The funny thing is that I actually messed up on the words in one verse, but I didn’t let it phase me and nobody noticed. I just bought a new camera with a special video feature that is supposed to make it easier to post online. Take a look at the video of the performance. It was an exciting moment in my life.

Like I said, it was the best I have sung and it felt good! I hope you enjoyed it.

On another note my sister Anna had an exciting experience. She is a die hard David Archuleta fan and when I say die hard I mean it! She has seen him live several times, has every performance he has ever recorded, and has pictures of him in her room. You’d think he was a member of the family! More than just loving his music, she genuinely admires him for sticking to his values.

As a member of the David Archuleta fan club she participated in a contest to promote his album in return for various prizes. The grand prize was a 5 minute conversation with David. Anna went full force ahead doing a number of things including sponsoring a fundraiser for a charity David supports. A couple of weeks ago she submitted her project and then to all of our surprise she got an email announcing her as the winner of the grand prize! She won a conversation with her idol David Archuleta! Naturally Anna was beside herself and could hardly sleep the days before the phone call took place. Finally today it happened. At 2:49 he called and they chatted for 21 minutes! I guess they spoke about many things including music, writing songs, religion, BYU, American Idol and more.

Some may say it is a silly thing to get excited over but I disagree. I know David is just a person like anyone else. I also am aware there are lines in fanaticism, which go overboard and can be dangerous. However, in this case, I think it is a good thing. I appreciate anyone who lives his or her life with passion- someone who isn’t afraid to take risks. Anna is such a person. Her passion isn’t limited to musicians. She loves church, her friends, Lord of the Rings movies, Harry Potter, BYU, and more. I’ve even seen her get excited over a cool minor chord! It is so easy to be lukewarm and mediocre in life. While I was going to school I saw many people satisfied with the bare minimum, with gliding by on the coat tails of others. I still do not understand how others can be happy with such a paltry blahh life.

If Anna is going to be into David Archuleta, she should be into him all the way. I like how Anna has set a pattern in her life of living boldly. Most people wouldn’t have attempted the contest but Anna went for it, and she got it. I admire that. Later in life she will meet many obstacles that will seem impossible, but from this and other experiences she will have the courage to make the attempt- to try her hardest and hopefully the reward will come. In a weird way my singing and her phone call have something in common- they both involve passion for music, and trying our utmost to succeed.

Another thing I admire about Anna is she has learned to accept disappointment. For instance, at her age I would have been more emotional over not getting into the music department. Her attitude allows her to live with passion because however things turn out she can find happiness. Sometimes there are discouraging situations and other times, like today, there are moments of excitement and glee. Congrats Anna! You deserve it!